| Abstract Scope |
Inconel 718, a nickel-based superalloy, is widely used in the aerospace and energy sectors; however, next-generation applications require superior mechanical and tribological performance. This work presents a novel approach to significantly enhance IN718 properties by reinforcing it with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) using selective laser melting (SLM). Composite powders were prepared via high-energy ball milling, and SLM was conducted with varied parameters: laser power (100-175 W), scanning speed (500-1000 mm/s), hatch spacing (120 µm), and layer thickness (20 µm). Advanced characterization (SEM, TEM, XRD, EBSD) confirmed homogeneous nanofiller dispersion, grain refinement, and interfacial carbide formation. Remarkably, 0.5 wt% GNP-reinforced composites demonstrated a 42% increase in yield strength (912 → 1078 MPa) and a 66.8% reduction in wear rate. These exceptional property gains are attributed to synergistic strengthening mechanisms, including Orowan looping, dislocation pinning, and tribo-protective surface layers, positioning SLM-processed IN718 nanocomposites as transformative materials for extreme environments. |